Lord Mayor highlights Bayes’ place in the Square Mile during graduation speech
“Academic excellence is crucial” to the City’s success, the Lord Mayor of London told the winter graduation ceremony for Bayes’ students.
The Rt Hon. Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli was speaking after being installed as Rector of City, University of London, and accepting an honorary Doctor of Science.
“Today’s ceremony is a reminder of the enduring links between City University and the City of London Corporation, and the University’s special place in the life of the City of London,” he said.
The Lord Mayor's chosen theme for his year in office, “Connect to Prosper”, celebrates the Knowledge Miles of the Square Mile – “the World’s Coffee House”.
With over 40 learned societies, several universities and 130 research institutes surrounding the City, "we benefit from many different knowledge miles", the Lord Mayor said.
Lord Mayor hails a new academic role
The appointment of City, University’ of London's inaugural Lord Mayor’s fellow, Professor Katrin Hohl, exemplified the links between the Square Mile and the university, he said.
After congratulating the graduates and urging them to enjoy their chosen careers, the Lord Mayor heard short speeches from two new graduates on behalf of their peers.
Graduate Bibiane Beerens, speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates, said: “I am very excited to see what the future holds for us. Whatever career path you choose, remember there will be struggles along the way. If you are willing to take the more complicated road, the one with a lot of setbacks before the achievements, it will end up being the most rewarding.”
Fellow graduate Arturo Rodriguez praised the student body for supporting each other.
“We may not all know each other, but you have also supported the people here. Just staying in the library during what sometimes seemed endless evenings was enough support to remind us that, in the end, we have done this together. The lessons we have learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, will be invaluable as we move forward in our lives.”